C1 Clutch Spring (Gorilla)

[Philip P.]

Does anyone have a picture or the size of spring they used to replace the clutch return spring. It looks to be about 7 inches but any information would be helpful the one I am using is pretty crude to say the least.
Thanks
Phil

[Bill M.]

Re: C1 Clutch Spring (Gorilla)

Hope this helps:

[Philip P.]

Re: C1 Clutch Spring (Gorilla)

Thanks Bill
THat will help alot, I plan on replacing the existing spring with something closer to the original look without the tension of the orignal. The spring that was used, is about that long but it was held inplace with some heavy wire loops not a real professional look but it works.
Thanks again
Phil
1960/230

[Steven B.]

Re: C1 Clutch Spring (Gorilla)

Phil, do the wire loops look like this?



Steve

[Philip P.]

Re: C1 Clutch Spring (Gorilla)

Steve, THe bottom connection is like that, what it have now is a spring about 1/2 inch in diameter and two pieces of heavy wire that hook it up in place of the correct (gorilla) spring. It works fine but is not lets say very nice to look at. I would like to replace it with some type of spring that others have used to get rid of the gorilla type spring that can cause the pedal to stay on the floor. Off to the hardware store later this moring to look around.
Phil

[Steven B.]

Re: C1 Clutch Spring (Gorilla)

Phil, Corvette Central, for one, has them for $15.00. They also have the wire loop spring retainers you need for the "top".

Steve

[Philip P.]

Re: C1 Clutch Spring (Gorilla)

Steve,
The spring the CC sells is the gorilla spring I am looking for a "wimp" type spring.
Thanks
Phil

[Carl B.]

Re: C1 Clutch Spring (Gorilla)

This spring is strong, I did engine swap and cant get this srping back on,,help??

[Christopher R.]

Re: C1 Clutch Spring (Gorilla)

Phil Porter,

When you solve this problem, please post your results. A picture and spring length would be appreciated.

[Rob M.]

Re: C1 Clutch Spring (Gorilla)

Cut lots of little pieces 2cm x 2cm of sheet metal (of 1 mm thickness or so). Bent the spring and fill the area's between the wires with one of the little piece of sheet metal, keep on repeating this on every side of the spring to extend the spring this way. Piece of cake to install it...

[Philip P.]

Re: C1 Clutch Spring (Gorilla)

Christopher, I plan on posting some pictures and the spring when I get it installed, at the present the engine is being rebuilt and resting at the engine rebuilder until about March. I did find a spring at Autozone that looks to be the proper tension(the wimp spring as I call it) and is long on one end so it can be bent/cut to fit. I believe it is similar to what I found out from John Hinkley. It is for the diaphram style clutch that I am going to install.
Phil

[Philip P.]

Re: C1 Clutch Spring (Gorilla)

Carl, I was told the procedure in the ST-12 works fine just need a little room to work. There are several posts on this in the achrives but finding it may be a challenge. I think I have an alternate procedure some where and will post it if I find it. HAve to go plow snow...
Phil

[Jim D.]

Re: C1 Clutch Spring (Gorilla)

Carl, I was told the procedure in the ST-12 works fine just need a little room to work. There are several posts on this in the achrives but finding it may be a challenge. I think I have an alternate procedure some where and will post it if I find it. HAve to go plow snow...
Phil

Using the method that GM suggests takes less the 1 minute to remove or install this spring. I can't understand why people have such a hard time or have to build "special" tools when all you need is a 12" cresent wrench. Read the manual.

[Philip P.]

Re: C1 Clutch Spring (Gorilla)

I believe what Jim said the procedure in the ST-12 is really straight forward. The whole thing with the "gorilla spring" is that there seems to be a high RPM problem if you use this with a diaphragm clutch , the pedal can stay on the floor. I do not know the reason, but imagine that is has to do wtih the stronger spring pressure with the Borg and Beck style (just guessing).
Phil

[Jim D.]

Re: C1 Clutch Spring (Gorilla)

Phil, If the spring, and most importantly, the clutch is adjusted correctly you shouldn't have any problem. I've raced many cars with diaphragm clutches shifting at over 6500RPM and never had one stick to the floor. A buddy was complaining of that problem but after a clutch adjustment, the problem was gone.